Food is the most captivating universal language and one of the most beautiful ways to communicate - it nourishes both body and soul while effortlessly bringing people closer together. As a vessel of culture, food plays a unique role in transcending barriers of language, geography, and culture.
Eastern Approach to Sustainable and Healthy Diet Model: Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
Like Chinese culture, Chinese cuisine has a long and rich history. Over thousands of years, it has continuously absorbed and integrated the philosophical thoughts of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, gradually forming its own unique dietary philosophy and culinary wisdom. Concepts such as the harmony between heaven and humanity, yin and yang, and the unity of body and mind not only occupy a central position in China's philosophical system but have also profoundly influenced its food culture. This has shaped a distinctive culinary philosophy of "eating according to the seasons" and "food and medicine sharing the same origin."
In the latest update of the Chinese Dietary Guidelines in 2022, the concept of the "Eastern Approach to Sustainable and Healthy Diet" was introduced. We believe this represents a fusion of the traditional essence of Chinese cuisine and modern sustainable development principles.
At this year's World Food Forum, the Good Food Fund will release the Sustainable Recipes for a Healthier Planet Book based on the "Eastern Approach to Sustainable and Healthy Diet." This book draws upon China's traditional dietary wisdom and incorporates modern concepts such as balanced nutrition, circular sustainability, and planetary health, aiming to contribute to the sustainable transformation of the global food system. Through this event, the Good Food Fund hopes to share China's dietary philosophy and sustainable healthy eating practices with the world, echoing the theme of this year's World Food Forum Good Food for All for Today and Tomorrow, and supporting the achievement of the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Youth Power: The Driving Force Behind the Cookbook
In this event, the contributions of young volunteers from the Good Food Fund's "Hundred Youth Changemakers Program" were crucial. The birth of the Sustainable Recipes for a Healthier Planet Book would not have been possible without their efforts and support. From in-depth interviews with chefs, writing, translation, to the editing of the cookbook, every step was fully completed by these passionate young volunteers. They not only delved deeply into the creative philosophies and cultural backgrounds of each chef but also vividly presented this wisdom and the concepts of sustainable eating to the world through words and visuals.
The enthusiastic participation of these youths shows us the strong cohesive power of food as a cultural carrier and the vibrant creativity of young people. It gives us confidence that the future transformation of the food system will be more dynamic and hopeful. Through their efforts, the culture and philosophies embodied in food will be widely disseminated, further promoting global attention to and practice of sustainable eating.
Connecting the World Through Healthy Eating
Through the release of the Sustainable Recipes for a Healthier Planet Book, the Good Food Fund hopes to showcase China's explorations and achievements in the sustainable development of the food system on the global platform of the World Food Forum. We firmly believe that food is a bridge connecting cultures and ideas around the world, and that healthy, sustainable eating is the force leading future change. Let us use healthy eating as a bond to bring us closer, transcend cultural boundaries, and work together to contribute to building a better, more sustainable future.
Link to the PDF version of the Recipe Book below:
Sustainable Recipes for a Healthier Planet